The Pelicans will be involved in numerous trade rumors this summer, but only a few are worth considering.
The New Orleans Pelicans practice facility is nearly deserted on the weekend after the team was eliminated from the NBA Playoffs. Most of the players have gone on vacation, and the front staff is on the road gathering the last bits of information on NBA Draft prospects. Everyone else is left wondering where the franchise goes from here.
Zion Williamson revealed that the Pelicans had a ‘bittersweet’ season. According to New Orleans EVP David Griffin, fans will “see a real sense of urgency” from the front office this summer. While some clubs are still vying for an NBA Finals berth, the remainder have left fans to their own devices. It has already resulted in some ridiculous trade rumors, but there are a couple that should be easily dismissed.
Jimmy Butler bullish on a new near-max deal
The Boston Celtics slammed down the Miami Heat’s title window, which was led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Pat Riley is going to have to make some painful decisions. Butler will turn 35 before the 2024-25 NBA season begins, and he has missed at least 18 games in each of the previous four seasons. Butler is owed $48.8 million in 2025-25, with a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26.
Butler recorded 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, five assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He shot 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the three-point line, and 85.8% at the charity stripe.
Those are respectable figures, but Butler averaged less points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game. He also missed at least 20 regular-season games for the third time in four seasons.
The Pelicans would have to give away Brandon Ingram and draft picks to compensate for Butler’s previous performances. The fit with Zion Williamson is a completely different conversation, but not this time. Butler also wants a two-year contract extension worth approximately $113 million, according to the Miami Herald.
A luxury tax-averse New Orleans franchise cannot agree to pay a 37-year-old Butler $58.6 million for the 2026-2027 season. It’s simply not financially practical and does not fit into the team’s title timeline, which revolves around Williamson.
Pelicans can buy low on Ben Simmons
The working theory is that the Pelicans require additional rim protection and a point guard. Ben Simmons can do both without having to take 15 shots a game on offense. The LSU alum also has an expiring contract, so New Orleans would be renting with the option to extend with Simmons. Unfortunately, the former 2020-21 All-Star had only played in 57 games over the previous three seasons.
Putting aside the injuries, the theory has some appeal. Simmons may be a complementary, linking component on offense. Simmons and Herb Jones on defense would frighten opponents. The three-time All-Star’s $40.3 million deal expires during the 2024-25 season and might be traded at the trade deadline if the Pelicans do not perform above expectations.500 basketballs.
In the free-agent summer of 2025, New Orleans could open up max-level space to sign a free agent to join Zion Williamson.
So, yes, the Pelicans can buy low on Ben Simmons, but should they? Probably not, given the absence of three-pointers to provide spacing and the injury history. However, this hasn’t prevented some from firing up the trade machine.
Zach LaVine needs new scenery
This may as well include everyone from Chicago. The Bulls are crushing the Big Three of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vučević.
“The Bulls understand they have a Zach LaVine problem. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, it is the deal, not the guy or the player. “A team source reiterated that trading the two-time All-Star remains priority one, two, and three this summer, with the hope to not only get off the remaining three years, nearly $138 million left on the max contract, but also to make sure the runway remained clear for the continued emergence of Coby White as a lead guard.”
There is no Godfather offer available. New Orleans cannot attempt to fix one seemingly minor issue by tackling a larger one. Put this LaVine idea to pasture. The Pelicans have significantly superior options that require less risk in long-term investments.
Andrew Wiggins wondering what’s next
Wiggins had his greatest years with the Warriors, and the first-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft won an NBA Finals championship. That peak shape will most likely never be reproduced. The 29-year-old has become a negative asset, with $84.7 million owed to him over the next three seasons.
Wiggins, a 2022 All-Star, has lost time due to injury and personal reasons. It has disrupted his rhythm in support of Steph Curry, and the Warriors have dropped out of serious championship contention. This season, the former NBA Rookie of the Year averaged just 13.2 points on 35.8% three-point shooting and was benched for long stints.
Previously, the Pelicans tried the young yet experienced veteran mentality. It resulted in Dell Demps’ firing, and New Orleans hired EVP David Griffin to construct something more organically. Working out a deal for Wiggins does not fit into the current blueprint.
D’Angelo Russell not doing team-friendly deals
Players were still taking showers after a Game 5 loss, but Russell was already anticipating a potential free agent frenzy this summer.
“When I signed my contract last year I knew what position I was going to put myself in,” Russell said. “So to be in that position now, with a little leverage, going to try to take advantage of it.”
Russell has a $18.7 million player option. Fans in Los Angeles have already expressed displeasure with his approach to talks. Will the Pelicans want to welcome Russell into the locker room, especially on a short-term contract?
The 2019 All-Star provided the Lakers with 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds during the regular season. He helped keep the team afloat, but the sixth-seeded team couldn’t equal the Denver Nuggets. Russell averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in the NBA Playoffs, shooting 38% from the field, 32% from three, and only 50% from the three-point line.
The Pelicans may require a point guard, but Russell’s contribution to this team’s championship chances remains unclear. Furthermore, any agreement to acquire Russell will most certainly relieve LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers of their obligations.
In a cutthroat Western Conference, the Pelicans cannot assist a desperate competitor in getting out of a poor situation, especially if it is part of a tread-water trade that accomplishes nothing to improve Williamson.
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